Published: Friday, January 18, 2013 at 10:58 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 18, 2013 at 10:58 a.m.

A retired city judge was acknowledged for his years of public service by Thibodaux’s business community during a ceremony attended by dozens.

Facts

Other awards

The Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce handed out five other awards at its Thursday night banquet. Honorees are:- Kristin LaFleur with MidSouth Bank, who received the Chairman’s Award for her volunteer work.- Pott Folse, Cajun music musician of Raceland, who received the Unsung Hero Award for the 60 plus years he’s dedicated to music. “Music is not what he does, it’s what he is,” outgoing chamber Chairman Ben Harang said. - Arabie’s Trucking in Thibodaux received the Business of the Year Award for the company’s economic contributions, business success and growth. Owners Myrna and Sandy Arabie spearheaded a donation drive that collected more than 12,000 pounds of food, cleaning supplies and other items for the victims of 2012’s Hurricane Sandy.- Neal Swanner was named Member of the Year for consistently making significant contributions to the chamber and community via his volunteer involvement, financial and moral support. He established the Norman “Big Boy” Swanner Fund in honor of his late brother, co-founder of Bubba’s Restaurant and Sports Lounge and a city councilman. The fund has benefitted many organizations in Thibodaux, including the chamber.- Brook Hotard-Clement received the Teenager of the Year Award and a $500 scholarship from the Norman “Big Boy” Swanner Fund for her numerous community projects and leadership roles.

David Richard, 68, was the winner of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce’s Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year award, which was presented during the chamber’s 46th Annual Awards Banquet at the Civic Center.

This “is one of the highlights of my life,” Richard told those in attendance, while modestly down-playing his efforts.

“Any good I did doesn’t compare to how good the community has been to me.”

The award singles out those who contribute to the local business community and economic development and residents’ quality of life.

Richard was recognized for serving the young people of Lafourche Parish through educational efforts and his focus on intellectual interests, said Ben Harang, outgoing chamber and last year’s winner.

“He was a member of numerous law associations, including the National Council of Juvenile Judges, American Judges, the Louisiana Retired Judges Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, the Lafourche Parish Bar Association and the Nicholls State Judicial Advisory Committee.”

Richard has served as president of the Lafourche Parish Bar Association and vice president of the St. Genevieve Elementary and E.D. White Catholic High school boards.

His wife, Connie, was among the 300 guests in attendance at the banquet. She said she is proud of his accomplishments.

“He is a very humble man. He never feels that he is deserving,” she said. “He’s helped people of all ages. He’s helped the elderly. He’s helped the young get on track. He always looks for the best in everyone.”

The Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year award was one of six awards presented.

<p>A retired city judge was acknowledged for his years of public service by Thibodaux's business community during a ceremony attended by dozens.</p><p>David Richard, 68, was the winner of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce's Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year award, which was presented during the chamber's 46th Annual Awards Banquet at the Civic Center.</p><p>This “is one of the highlights of my life,” Richard told those in attendance, while modestly down-playing his efforts. </p><p>“Any good I did doesn't compare to how good the community has been to me.”</p><p>The award singles out those who contribute to the local business community and economic development and residents' quality of life.</p><p>Richard was recognized for serving the young people of Lafourche Parish through educational efforts and his focus on intellectual interests, said Ben Harang, outgoing chamber and last year's winner.</p><p>“He was a member of numerous law associations, including the National Council of Juvenile Judges, American Judges, the Louisiana Retired Judges Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, the Lafourche Parish Bar Association and the Nicholls State Judicial Advisory Committee.” </p><p>Richard has served as president of the Lafourche Parish Bar Association and vice president of the St. Genevieve Elementary and E.D. White Catholic High school boards.</p><p>His wife, Connie, was among the 300 guests in attendance at the banquet. She said she is proud of his accomplishments. </p><p>“He is a very humble man. He never feels that he is deserving,” she said. “He's helped people of all ages. He's helped the elderly. He's helped the young get on track. He always looks for the best in everyone.” </p><p>The Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year award was one of six awards presented.</p>